By Chris Lawrence, with reporting from pool producer Larry Shaughnessy

U.S. Marines waiting for Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to speak at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan Wednesday were ordered to leave the room and place their weapons outside.

The request, relayed by Sgt. Maj. Brandon Hall, was unusual because it's not customary to disarm for a defense secretary visit, but the Marines did as they were told. About two dozen unarmed Afghan soldiers also were in attendance.

Panetta arrived in Afghanistan Wednesday for a two-day visit amid heightened tensions after an American soldier allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians in their homes Sunday.

The order to disarm came from Maj. Gen. Mark Gurganus, who commands troops in Helmand province.

Gurganus later told reporters the decision had nothing to do with the weekend shooting, and said it was because the Afghan soldiers in attendance were unarmed and he did not want them treated differently than the Marines.

"This is not a big deal," Gurganus said. But he then added that "you've got one of the most important people in the world in the room," referring to Panetta. When it was pointed out that this had not been the custom, Gurganus - who is new to the post - replied, "There's a new sheriff in town."

A senior defense official told CNN that Gurganus made the decision to have all coalition troops disarm on Tuesday, but "the order never got passed down the line to the individual units. So, unfortunately, it wasn't until all the Marines were sitting down Wednesday that anyone realized what the general really wanted. It looked bad. But at that point they needed to comply with the order."

Several Marines said they had never seen a situation like this, although they do not believe the decision resulted from any security concerns. The senior defense official said Gurganus was under orders to make partnership a priority, and he felt that "it wouldn't be right to have armed Marines sitting next to unarmed Afghan soldiers. He wants to promote the mission of partnership."

Security procedures involving the handling of weapons vary according to protocols issued by International Security Assistance Force command, as well as the discretion of individual regional and base commanders.

At some bases, troops entering mess halls are required to remove the clip from their weapon and clear any rounds from the chamber. The senior defense official also said security has been increased in varying degrees in the past month or so, following the Quran burning. For example, in Kabul, as recently as seven days ago troops were required to carry their weapons everywhere, with the ammunition clip loaded but no round chambered, the official said.

The order for the Marines to disarm at Camp Leatherneck was not connected to a separate incident that took place Wednesday at an adjoining British military base in Afghanistan, the defense official said.

In that incident, an Afghan national stole a vehicle and drove it through at least one layer of perimeter security onto the runway at Camp Bastion around the same time Panetta was arriving there from a previous visit to Kyrgystan, a defense official said. A British soldier was injured by the vehicle before it was driven into a ditch, a defense official said. The driver ran out of the vehicle on fire. Coalition troops were able to extinguish the fire and he was transported for treatment, according to Pentagon spokesman George Little.

The Afghan national was wearing a "desert utility uniform," similar to the ones coalition troops give to translators and other unarmed locals working with them, a defense official said. Coalition troops searched the man after putting out the flames and apprehending him, but they did not find an explosive device on him, according to the official. No motive or the Afghan's intent was known.

NATO officials said Panetta was never in any danger during his time at Camp Bastion. His plane was diverted upon landing, according to Little.
Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion are adjoining bases located in the southern Afghan province of Helmand. The United States runs the facilities at Camp Leatherneck, while the British oversee Camp Bastion.

soundoff(1,139 Responses)

The first thing I thought of when reading this message was: If the Secretary of Defense does not feel safe with our Military, then perhaps he needs to find a new job. That would go double for the "Brass" on his coat tails....

Doug: Tim is absolutely correct! It is standard protocol to disarm for the Secretary of Defense and the President. This has been going on for YEARS. It should have come as no surprise to these soldiers. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and we had to disarm for Donald Rusmfeld's visit. The only people in the room with weapons were Rumsefeld's security team (25-30 guys).

March 14, 2012 at 1:14 pm |

MLT0311

I just want to clarify something... The only Marines/Soldiers that would need to disarm are those in the same room or tent as the Secretary of Defense. I don't want people thinking that all Marines on the base would have to disarm b/c that is not true at all.

MLT0311: Okay, I will take your word. I did not serve. I tried three times to join. First time I got medical deferment. Next 2 time I lied about medical condition but the Doctors caught me anyway. So, I accept your clarification. as for Tim: not all who did not get the chance to serve are "idiots".

March 14, 2012 at 1:28 pm |

MLT0311

I absolutely agree Doug!
You don't have to be a Veteran to have served your country!

March 14, 2012 at 1:32 pm |

Michael

Hmm if its normal, then why does the article say "It was an unusual request as it is not customary to disarm for a defense secretary visits." I guess they were lying. As for you, I found your comments arrogant and insulting... people who didnt join the military are idiots? And only think of themselves? Right. I served, and I can tell you a great many of the soldiers around me were in it ONLY for themselves, for a paycheck, for college money, ect. Im so tired of this propaganda that people in the military are inherently BETTER then anyone else. nonsense, they are a cross section of humanity, with all the flaws and strengths therein.

I can't speak about how things have been working in Afghanistan since 2005 when I left but as a former Marine E-5/0341 we left weapons stacked and posted watches regularly when someone this high up was speaking. I don't find anything odd about this at all since young Marine recruits start doing this in boot camp. But hey if you civilians know more than me I would be happy to listen.

Tim, you don't know anything and also you can't read. Maj. Gen. Gurganus indicated that this was a new procedure. ""There's a new sheriff in town," Gurganus, who is new to the post, responded when asked why he ordered them to leave their weapons outside the room when it was not what had been done previously."

@Fiona – right on missy. It was disrespectful, and I believe sends the wrong signal to the rest of the world. Make the US government look bad (one troubled soldier, misc other isolated events) – and they turn on their own servicemen. They're worried about looking bad to everyone, after the billions we've spent and lost/destroyed lives of our military – the middle east is lucky we haven't just taken them all out and exploited their realestate.

If the secretary of defense does not trust our troops, why should they trust him? If it was the general who made this call, the same applies. There is obviously a lack of true leadership, and a healthy dose of paranoia and cowardice calling the shots here.

We've had too many incidents of military members going "postal". The constant deployments without breaks. The highest suicide rate ever documented. The increased lowering of standards to join the military, all of just waiting to explode. This Unit in particular has disgraced the military more than once. Thankfully they are ejecting out the *hitbags who should never have been accepted into the military to start with. Specifically, the members of sniper units. They are a disgrace to the US Military.

Yeah, because you know all the snipers. If someone were he11-bent on going postal he or she would conceal a weapon or find another way to get a shot in. Go back to your tent and make posters for the '99%.'

Sounds like you're an expert, but no credibility presented. These marines have been put through hell by our government and the freakin towel-heads that have been fighting for hundreds of years. They have left their family and lives behind to deal with a lot of crap that you probably know nothing about. Go back to your girl scout troop, or knitting, or whatever. Marines – please ignore this kind of crap.

You don't know what the hell your talking about and I seriously doubt have served a day in uniform. War is a terrible thing and people get pushed over the edge (pissing on bodies, shooting civilians, etc). You try walking in their boots for months on end not knowing when the next explosion or bullet is coming your way. These were good people put in terrible situations and unfortunately they didn't react always like they should act. How many friends did those Marines or Soldiers loose? How close have they come to death? If the enemy repeatedly tried to kill me I wouldn't have an issue pissing on their corpse either after a long hard fight with an enemy who doesn't fight fairly or by the rules of war

Oh yeah what do you mean by "this unit" they never specified what unit other than Marines... there are thousands of Marines in Afghanistan in all kinds of units (Logistics, Aviation, Infantry, Sniper, Armor, etc)... I suggest you just thank those Soldiers and Marines doing something positive (not just lip service) and keep your ignorant comments to yourself

Sue, you are a moron. "The increased lowering of standards to join the military". Are you kidding me? The standards have risen, quite a bit. Why don't you hurry up and find yourself a clue. A clue on ANYTHING dealing with the military. Your comment shows you dont know anything about the military.

The casualties in Afghan (civilians), that just happened recently was done by an ARMY sniper. *Shaking my head*.

Says someone named Sue who has never served in combat, never went through the training we grunts go through and someone who most certainly has spent zero seconds working with Scout Snipers. I also saw no mention of what units are currently being housed at Camp Leatherneck so how do you know so much about unnamed Marine units? Or did you think every Marine serves in the same unit?

I'm sure I'll get plenty of responses from the ignorant armchair warriors with their ignorant comments. Look for our lovely right wing- nut christians as they use terms like "towelheads" and talk about urinating on corpses as a cool thing

armchair warrior? Really I have served almost a total of three years between Afghanistan and Iraq. Towelheads, Haji its just like Jerry, Nips, Japs, Charlie, Gooks, Hun, Fritz, Ruskies.... just a long line of names that have been used to dehumanize or phrase to vent that has just gotten PC this day and age. You ever had to deal with Afghans and Iraqis on a daily basis? They will drive you insane with backwards thinking but other times impress you. So seriously Sue just read this stuff and keep your mouth shut, no one wants to hear your garbage as is quite evident. I am not a right wing christian loud mouth either! What happened with marines urinating and a soldier going on a shooting spree are terrible things but with war comes terrible things. I nearly had my guts splattered all over an Afghan road but I survived thanks to god. I suffered and still do for the rest of my life with traumatic brain injury and PTSD which I have gotten help for and can function in daily life but these issues affect everyone differently and I can consider myself lucky because many people who are good hearted, love their fellow human beings, and are good nature do terrible things because they are not as forturnate as I was.

March 14, 2012 at 4:19 pm |

Phillip Brame

Marines, mine is not to reason why mine is just to do or die. Marines do NOT question authority they just do as they are told and adjust. The problem today with the military is that the young troops want to ask questions and believe that they are entitled to answers, WRONG ANSWER !!!

Also today our high ranking military officers must be politically correct politicians first and soldiers second. What away to run a Department of Defense . The Commander in Chief bears the ultimate responsibility for this disgrace, although he will blame someone else as usual.

I think that pretty-much sums-up the whole middle-east effort in general. Symbolic at best, because nothing will stop the people over there from trying to kill each other and everybody else. I say give them all bombs, pull out US troops (the best in the entire world) and let them all kill each other. Problem solved.

I totally agree. When I served in the Corps (1997-2005) I went to my fair share of these events and the main thing I took away from it was that I would rather be the Marine standing guard over the weapon stacks.

I love when civilians post rants about military issues. Those who have never been there, will never understand. I served 15 years active, and I've seen this situation go both ways plenty of times. We went unarmed for SecDef Cohen's visit to Bosnia back in 1999, then later went unarmed to hear him on a second visit to the AO. I don't think it is dictated by the threat FROM the soldiers, but by the threat TO the soldiers. If anything this was an indicator that the threat level in that particular area was considered low enough that the troops could safely enter and hear the SecDef without their weapons, though I feel the General was probably misquoted by the CNN reporter. It could very well be that CNN themselves botched this one a bit.

Now we don't trust our own troops, and this is the secretary of defense!!! We lost out when we kicked God and prayer out of schools, allow abortion and let Gays get married! More natural disasters on the way....We are too strong for other nations but we can't protect our selves from those floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and the insurance companies disallowing our claims for the such since they will run out of money....Bye Bye Miss American Pie!!

There's nothing "now" about it–even incompetent military officers were sometimes "fragged" in Vietnam. By their own men. What happened in Ft. Hood, TX? Didn't a "nut" in uniform shoot up–his own army base?

It's this kind of ridiculous reporting by CNN that fire the fuels of ignorance here in America. The headline is intended to draw fiery response by making it seem as if this is something new. The article itself make no, i.e. zero, attempt 'reporting' if this is something new. What a joke. What we need is BBC style real reporting.

Who needs guns at a speech inside a military base? Look – there are enough trigger happy kids in the marines these days (different than my day) so I don't blame the "itch". Listen to your commander and shut up.

As a former Marine, and one who has been in combat, I wonder how the Marines there felt. Though I don't think they would tell a reporter because then that would be questioning orders and what you say in country is very restricted.

I'm assuming, and I might be an as...., that the general had their backs covered. If he didn't have troops in place to protect dignitaries and audience, then indeed we have reason not to trust our military.

GD office pouge. That's stupid. The entire population is out to kill anybody in Marine Green and this jerk (Major General)
tells them to disarm. Also he just arrived in country,probably doesn't know the lay of the land yet. He still thinks that we can win the hearts and minds of the population. Should not even have had the Afgani's in attendence. At this point in the game we shouldn't even engage them unless it's to kill them. Pick up everything and leave it as it was.. stuck in the 11th Century. Let them kill each other. Semper Fi grunts 0311/8404

Yes the same Obama that can't make a timely command decision to save his life. You know the Obama that let an american sit in a life boat with a gun to his head for three days before reluctantly allowing the snipers to take them down. The very same Obama that apologises instead of standing up for this country. So you think about all the things Obama does and not just two or things that you can throw up infront as a distraction from his failings.

There is no safer, or more dangerous, place in the world than in a room full of armed Marines. It all depends on if you have been identified as an ally or an enemy. If it was Mr. Panetta that was the "itchy" one then I can only assume that he feared that the Marines might see him as their enemy. I seriously doubt that the Marines viewed him as such. Personally, if I found myself surrounded by armed Marines I would be at peace with whatever fate befell me.

Marines should have been given the option to attend – or not. They hate these bloviated political speeches they are forced to listen too anyway. But if they are forced to attend – the general should NOT disrespect them.

This is exactly why I told my son to GET OUT of the US Marine Corps. Top trained sniper... Let this idiot General go do the hard work. He disrespects his men, he doesn't deserve to have them. Thank God my son's enlistment, as well as 9 of his other sniper buddies is U-P. They are all leaving. Let the Marines pay over a mllion each to train new ones for this "most important" person in the world. WHAT would Pinetta have done if there had been an invasion while he was on the ground? HUH????????? No one to defend him. What a sorry General this is – put him on the front lines and let the Talban take him FIRST as he is obviously too incompent to be in the Marine corps.

I am one of THOUSANDS of disgusted parents of the command – we have no generals left – only barbie dolls. We don't have to do drugs as you seem to intimate – we have a justifiable, LIFE, on the ground called our son or daughter, who has become the dumping ground for their command. I do not know a single parent right now that is not telling their son/daughter – walk away as soon as it is legal... file early out, do not re-enlist. There is not such thing as honor in the Marines, until they get real generals in the corps, and a real commander in chief.

March 14, 2012 at 12:46 pm |

@youignantdotcom

"Let the Marines pay over a mllion each to train new ones for this "most important" person in the world"

You put up your OWN kid to be used as cannon fodder, to be disrepected by their own command, to be forced to sit and watch their buddes legs be paraded on poles by the Talban when they are hit by an IED and told you can't shoot them, etc etc... We parents are saying ENOUGH – get out – we will support you if you do. Let the generals take the front lines themself and get maimed and blown up for awhile.

March 14, 2012 at 12:48 pm |

@youignantdotcom

Booooo, no one put a gun to your kids head and forced them to sign their life away to the Marines. There hasn't been a draft in the US in quite sometime. Stop it already...

March 14, 2012 at 12:50 pm |

sh9350a

ugh. Where do you people come from? Go learn a thing or two about how our government works before making idi0tic statements such as this. PANETTA is the Secretary of Defense, not a General. Which means he is a civilian. That's just the beginning of what's wrong with your post.

I dd not say Pnetta was a general – I said the Marine Generals like this moron who is "leadng" over there is a barbie doll. Pinetta is a civilian runnng all this – which is a whole different flaw... Look at when the morale and problems in the military really started to go down...

March 14, 2012 at 12:50 pm |

sh9350a

PANETTA. good grief, I'm sorry, you're grasp of the English language is awful. Your posts are confusing and your statements are just plain dumb.

March 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm |

sh9350a

It's so bad, it's affecting me! Your*

March 14, 2012 at 12:56 pm |

Muldoon in Ohio

sh – apparently you didn't read the story. it was the general who ordered the marines to leave the arms outside – assumption is that the afghans got 'itchy' since they weren't armed. perhaps they felt another massacre coming on...

March 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm |

Allen

I think the statements about the "generals" refers to those in uniform giving the orders determined by politicians. Perhaps reading would give you clarity of meaning.

March 14, 2012 at 1:01 pm |

sh9350a

Muldoon, are you brain dead? That was my whole point. See if you can follow this: My comment was that booo's poor English was confusing to read.

The SecDef travels with his own armed security detail in a foreign country. The speech was in an already protected US Zone, which I am sure had double the usual sentry security at the perimiter. The disarming of everyone in the building limits the threat potential to the SecDef under any and all circumstances. I am quite certain the stacked arms where secured by sentries outside the building and were only steps away from the building if the Marines needed to quickly re-arm themselves. There is really no story here at all, just trying to create some news.
Marine GySgt Retired.

My thought would be that disarming the Afghans soldiers is typical for a visitor of that level, but after the rogue sgt., having the Marines do the same is a new gesture of support. But I haven't been on the ground in Afghanistan; anyone who has care to weigh in?

Apparently Marines are no longer semper fidelus. That kid putting up a Facebook about Obama being "the enemy" may have just downgraded them in America's eyes. Why have an elite corps if you can't trust them? Why is your motto "Semper Fi" if you're going to turn on your commander? We need to see some show of loyalty and some internal purging and resignations, or else send the Marines all down to the regular army and disband them. Sorry guys, but everything comes to an end.

What we need to do is re institute the draft; having almost all of the army be from the same geographic, political, ethnic, and cultural group is dangerous (the vast majority of soldiers are white, conservative, republicans from the south). Having an integrated and diverse armed forces will prevent group-think, and mix different people.

The experience of Vietnam was enough to inform even politicians that a draft is a bad idea. A dedicated professional military, even a small one, is far superior to an unwilling conscript force. As for those who question the future of the Corps, there is a reason it is called America's 911 force. No other branch has the capabilities to deploy as quickly or with as lethal force as the Corps. Now, for those questioning the loyalty of the Corps or lack of diversity my white, Southern, Republican background prevents me from telling you what I think. Most of you probably have no idea what it takes to become a Marine. Perhaps if becoming President were as difficult, we could have better leadership.

March 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm |

Jeff

Bubba. That's an appropriate name for you. Uneducated, obviously rednecked, and probably thinking that the civil war is still going on. If you ever had the guts to serve you would know that your post was completely idiotic. Marines have been defending this country for 237 years. The Marines have been around that long because the service that they provide is absolutely crucial to the defense of our nation. One bad apple does not undo 237 years of honorable, selfless and dedicated devotion to the United States.

This isn't an unusual practice. When President George H.W. Bush and then Secretary of State Dick Cheney visited our unit during Operation Desert Storm we were ordered to removed the firing pins from our rifles.

Have past US citizens, veterans or not, attempted or assassinated American dignitaries on our soil? If so, it would seem so much easier for a US citizen in the military, or a infiltrator, to assume the role of assassin. Trust, lets us reason.

March 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm |

JoeBlow

It's a highly unusual move for a Sec Def. Read what former generals are saying about this.

Man, I just now noticed what you really said. How on earth do you remove a firing pin from a grenade?

March 14, 2012 at 12:52 pm |

tcp

This IS an unusual practice. Apparently you had some pretty sorry leaders post DS. When H.W. visited us in Mogadishu in '92, we were slung up and ready. This is a RIDICULOUS practice in a hostile fire zone. If it is stable enough over there to have a battalion of Marine's stack arms before listening to some political hack, then why is the media trying to make us believe OEF has gone to he11 in a hand basket?

It make you sick to see what this administration has done to our country and its defenders. These are American Marines we are talking about. To make them less than that is criminal. To make them disarm to appease other "make believe soldiers" is in the same vein as obastard's habit of bowing to every third world leader. We are the United States of America, the light of the world. Who the H-LL is first when disaster strike with help be it for friend or foe! This cr@p of making us just "one more in a crowd of mediocrity" is the final insult from Obastard!

utter rubbish. Soldiers have to take off the pins from the weapons when the President arrives too. We are living in unpredictable times with a lot of frazzled nerves and even reports of racist Aryans serving in the military. It was Bush who rushed into Iraq and it was BUSH who kissed and held hands with that third world leader aka the King of Saudi Arabia and walked like a gay couple in Crawford. Bush covered up for 9.11 terrorist attacks by not revealing the Saudi Connection to us. Bush-Cheney secretly ferreted out the BinLadens from the US even before we could fly. why was that? get your racist blinders off and follow FACTS. ASK WHY Bush-Cheney listened to dictates from Saudi Arabia and airlifted the Binladens even before we could question them.

Thanks for your contribution to the destruction of the English language.

March 14, 2012 at 12:38 pm |

Lee

You are definitely ignorant.

March 14, 2012 at 1:22 pm |

Joshua Ludd

Oh, you mean like when he actually ended the occupation of Iraq? Didn't invade Libya for a multi-year occupation? Maybe you should take a good hard, long look at the last president who sent our soldiers into two pointless wars and got thousands of them killed over weapons that didn't exist and when he went to visit troops on Thanksgiving, he had photos taken of him serving them a turkey... a plastic turkey. Or perhaps you'd prefer to complain about Rush Limbaugh who called a soldier (who I happen to know) a "suicide bomber" simply because he disagreed with Rush. Obama didn't have anything to do with this decision and he bows to foreign leaders when appropriate, just as every other president has done.

Really? No WMD. And you really believe that? So, the thousands of Kurds dying from poison gas WMDs were just faking it? Just because we didn't find them does not mean there were not WMDs. So, they got rid of them. Now "where" is the question. Not that there were not WMDs. Use your brain. Think. Entire village populations, dead! And according to your logic they all just dropped dead in their tracks from "natural causes".

March 14, 2012 at 1:01 pm |

Allen

It is a common misconception, fostered by this administration, that Obama ended the Iraq war. He simply followed the plan outlined under the Bush administration. Why do you think he kept Gates on as Sec. of Defense? Unfortunately, we now have a bean counter as the civilian head of our armed forces. I guess that is change for you.

March 14, 2012 at 1:16 pm |

comm0nsense

Trust me, if it were for people like you, we would have been worse off than Somalia. I can almost guarantee that you and your entire lineage has made no meaningful contribution to this country. It's ignorant people like you who are going to take us down. It's reason, science and technology that made us the superpower. Not the oversized ego you and your republican buddies keep talking about. Just looking in the mirror, it's you who is calling the Command in Chief a retard. FYI, this (leaving weapons out) isn't new to the current administration. Then again you probably don't know US history prior to 2009.

Doug O, serious dude. What hole did you just crawled out of? The first thing you do is blame the administration for is wrong with some Americans that chose to be mentally incapable of being a good citizen. That's garbage. With the incidents over the last couple of weeks were a Lt Col and a Major shot in the back of the head by a afghan solider and 2 other soldiers killed over the accidental burning of the Koran what the heck you think they would do. A gathering like this withe SECDEF and everyone holding weapons to include our guys with some more afghans in the crowd and not knowing if they have been turned by the Taliban would make a great opportunity to cause more casulties. You wouldn't know that because you probably haven't served in the military-being proactive to the situation is the key.

Too many here are automatically assuming it was an Afghan solider that got itchy. Although that seems likely, it could have very well been an American soldier – maybe he/she have a grudge about deployment? I'm just saying, you don't know... That recent soldier who went on a killing spree sure got itchy. PTSD is an unpredictable animal.

The point is, this war is an epic failure. The longer we are there, the worse it will be. This is the next Vietnam, no question. No foreign presence has won in Afghanistan before, and it won't change now. Think about the point of this war when you consider that the 9/11 hijacker had official Saudi help. Yeah our gov't doesn't want that known... but it just keeps coming out.... Puts things into perspective, huh?

People stop this political posturing, a lot of you do not know what you are talking about, do you think that all our soldiers will disarm? what about those guys that are pulling watch (duty) the article stated only the soldiers in the meeting with the SOD. The US military personnels are not as dumb as some of you on this post won't we be sitting ducks if that is the case our bases are well guarded where ever they are.

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals
of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" ~Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

US to buy Russian helicopters for Afghan air force. The Pentagon plans to buy ten Russian military helicopters for Afghanistan's fledgling air force at a cost of $180 million (£119 million), ignoring protests from Congressmen who say US aircraft should be considered.

The U.S. army purchased 21 helicopters $375 mil for the Afghan army, with an option to purchase up to $550 mil more. We are supposed to be training and suppling them so the U.S. can get out. How is that a problem, and what does this purchase have to do with who you vote for?

Get your facts straight. The company selling the helicopters is the same company that provided $1 Billion worth of arms to Syria. At the same time, the lawmakers said the Defense Department, led by the Army, has agreed to buy 21 dual use Mi-17 helicopters for the Afghan military from Rosoboronexport. The no-bid contract for aircraft and spare parts is worth $375 million with options for additional purchases. The US contract is for quite a bit less than $1 Billion.

After reading all of these comments. I am very surprised to find that others feel like me. What they don't know is what the government does know. That all of this war blah blah goes much deeper than one could ever imagine. Let's be honest... The majority of the "soldiers" are broke hillbillys that needed money to pay for college to hopefully be the first out of their families to attend college. Our politicians know this and they also know that they have F'd over america and its "troops".. that makes these overpaid politicians little timid. If you f'd someone over for oil wouldn't you want them to be un-armed??

Missing the point people....the issue was not our soldiers, it was the Afghan's present that were the possible threat. It is as simple as an attending Afghan grabbing a rilfe from a Marine and using it on the crowd. Take no chances.

Throwing them under the bus? That's putting it a bit dramatically. After all, he throws them under far worse actual threats on a daily basis.

March 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm |

cbr

Bold decision. They were only told to disarm before they entered a meeting with secretary Panetta. It was not a meeting where arms were necessary. Even in the old west they asked that weapons be left at the door.

Give this General a chance. He just might make a difference in Afghanistan.

Funny, we are at *peace* with Hanoi. Now only if we didn't waste 60,000 Americans for that unnecessary war. Your sarcastic use of *pease* suggests you would have us be at war long enough to lose another 60,000.

I was a vet a corpsman and i do not think that it was wrong to tell marines to disarm if there afgan allies have to, we need to let these people take over their country, and get to hell out of it. A little diplomacy goes very far.

So, let's hear you "facts", Einstein. Panetta is a gutless coward, that's the only fact here.

March 14, 2012 at 12:52 pm |

JoeBlow

Who cares what you were. Numerous former generals have spoken out against this claiming it's a highly unusual move for a Secretary of Defense. Currently serving generals aren't allowed to say anything. It's been done for elected officials, such as a Vice President or President, but not for an appointed Secretary of Defense. Panetta is just a gutless coward.

and you are another loud mouth KNOW nothing republican...and knee jerk reactions are the only kind you have.....your screen name is overly accurate

March 14, 2012 at 1:32 pm |

JoeBlow

Who cares what you were. Numerous former generals have spoken out against this claiming it's a highly unusual move for a Secretary of Defense. Currently serving generals aren't allowed to say anything. It's been done for elected officials, such as a Vice President or President, but not for an appointed Secretary of Defense.

This is one of the most outrageous decisions in the history of the U.S. military. It either shows a White House contemptible of the military or a military that is under undue strain, because of politicians, or both. Either way it shows the need for a change at the top.

It's only a non-issue for a clown such as yourself. Several former generals have spoken out against this claiming it is a highly unusual move. It's been done before for elected officials such as a President and Vice President, but not an appointed Secretary of Defense. If you believe this was done to "spare the feelings" of the Afghans, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. Panetta is just a coward.

March 14, 2012 at 12:55 pm |

sh9350a

Really? The most outrageous? Does your knowledge of military history span the last decade only? It's not a big deal, realx fool.

You obviously didn't read the story. The Commanding Officer made the order–not Panetta. And it's not because Marines are not trusted, it was to avoid hurt feelings with the Afghans. Nonetheless, people like you continue believing what they want to regardless of the facts.

It shows that the commanding officer could not trust his Marines not to fire on the Secretary of Defense. That's the worst indictment of the Marine Corps I ever heard. Every Marine I've met has been proud of 'Semper Fi.'

Obama is going to destroy our military,
Obama eats babies for lunch.
Obama is a socialist communist marxist muslim
who is selling us to China.
Obama was born in Kenya.
Obama hates America.
Obama is going to ban all religions

NO OT...I think you covered why i wouldnt vote republican if my life depended on it....if you could only see how stupid you look to normal people....reasonable people....but folks like you and patriot and cnnnutty just keep on spouting your nonsense....if you cant come to a reasonable opinion when presented with facts...dont be scared...it s pretty comman with schizoprenics like yourself.....and republicans...or...are you an independent

March 14, 2012 at 1:37 pm |

Retired Army

Scott,

What OT posted is called......sarcasm.

My guess is that he is at LEAST as liberal as you are.

March 14, 2012 at 2:03 pm |

Mark0

Lets' get the time out blankets, lay on the floor, reflect, get back up, go out to the play ground, and bully some more, only to get sent to the pricipal's office. Why is this called a WAR when if is just continually protecting a peremeter between hostile forces?

Since you live in America, you gonna learn to speak/read/write English?

Hope so........

March 14, 2012 at 1:58 pm |

ronbro51

Yea sure General just make sure somebody is also guarding your weapons. You got to be kidding me! New sheriff in town not taking any chances, give me a break. It is not the Marines I am worried about but the yahoo Army troops from Ft Lewis. These guys sound like a frat team from the Animal House movie.

Nice to see the liberals blasting those evil, knuckle dragging military types. I wonder who the pro-intervention liberals were planning on sending into the skies of Syria and onto the ground for their 'humanitarian' invasion? I guess they're planning on sending themselves.

Nice to see the GOP blasting those evil, knuckle dragging military types. I wonder who the pro-intervention REPUBLICANS were planning on sending into the skies of Syria and onto the ground for their 'humanitarian' invasion? I guess they're planning on sending themselves.

Disarming our marines sends the afgans the message that we don't even trust our own. I think Nobama should go into a run full of armed afgans and take one for the country, that will really make up for stuff over there. 🙂

You're not a moron though, right? Look clown, why have several former generals spoken out against this, claiming it is a highly unusual move? It's been done before for elected officials such as a president and vice president, but not an appointed one such as a Sec Def. It completely sends the message that troops can't be trusted and shows Panetta to be nothing but a coward. If you believe this was done to spare the "feelings of Afghan troops" then you're one naive fool.

March 14, 2012 at 12:59 pm |

PoliticalWhistleBlower

I do not agree. If he were to bow a little lower the next time he meets the Afghanistan President. Then you have a point....

Liberal how do you know Obama did not? he kissed and hugged Qaddafi....

March 14, 2012 at 12:22 pm |

Robyn Harris

The tradition of the President bowing to foreign leaders (and other dignitaries) was actually started by George Washington. He felt it was undignified for the President to have personal contact (as in shaking hands) with other persons. It has fallen out of favor in recent years, but that is where it originates. Will we now have to listen to how George Washington doesn't measure up to your standards?

March 14, 2012 at 12:27 pm |

bspurloc

stop crying already....
call Dr Phill and discuss your severe anxiety towards hate of bush as to WHY he changed focus off Osama to Saddam.... we could have been out of Afghanistan 8 years ago and not even in Iraq.
Your denial is like a severe hatred of your dad.

Well, given the circumstances of this past week, I think it is prudent on the part of the officials not to have arms in the same room with Panetta. Any one of those in attendance might decide they'd like to take issue with what he has to say.

Yes, I'm sure the Arab world just loved Bush so much more. Come back to reality, hater. All Americans–democrats and republicans–are in this together because terrorists don't distinguish our differences that you are clearly widening.

I think the order to present themselves disarmed together with Afghan soldiers does not mean that we do not trust our own, or that Panetta ordered it, or that the commanding officer was following orders from a so-called liberal Commander in Chief. Sgt. Maj. Hall did something generous: our marines will be treated the same as the Afghan soldiers. He did it, I believe, to foster trust and confidence among the Afghan soldiers and in the eyes of the Afghan people at large. A mentally ill soldier —if we are to believe what has been reported— killed 14 Afghan civilians a few days ago. It's a generous gesture on our part. It does not degrade our Marines or our efforts there.

Try to think outside your box. Most times, a banana is just a banana. No conspiracy theories, no paranoia. You'll be happier with yourself.

But our Marines are NOT Afghan soldiers. No, they ARE AMERICAN MARINES! The finest and the best. To say they have to appear, appease or accept and conform to be treated as anything else makes me wonder why they fight for morons making statements like yours!

March 14, 2012 at 12:22 pm |

Army Dude

Well I remember- when Cheney came to visit us. 10000 Soldiers were not only disarmed but had to go to metal detector... Seriously No kidding..

Hell, when Bush the first came to town and landed at our naval Air Station we were told to remain inside, shutter the windows and not look out. never understood that – no matter what the personal politics GHWB was one of our own, and he'd had a few hundred Naval O's and E's lining the road to cheer him on.

Okay final message about this to all the people that are pouring in that have obviously failed in reading. The Marines were asked to disarm themselves so the Afghan soldiers also attending the speech do not feel lesser since they themselves were already disarmed!! We are in THEIR country, remember that people. You may now continue with the crying because I'm sure many still just won't get it.

Political, do you have the utmost respect for the soldier who just murdered 16 Afghanis? He is still one of our soldiers.

March 14, 2012 at 12:05 pm |

PoliticalWhistleBlower

Rich – I have no idea what really what happened. The tragedy is that there are 16 civilians dead. I do not believe our Media sources and I do not believe in our politicians. So if the soldier did what he did then there must be something to it. The Afghan civilians were not at fault as well as the Marines doing their job!! If you have to disarm those who work for you....then who has the distrust issues?

March 14, 2012 at 12:13 pm |

Rich

Political, everyone on the net is a veteran, including you.

March 14, 2012 at 12:16 pm |

Rich

Political, I am responding to different comments you made but they are falling under here. So I will stop replying so as not to cause confusion. Regards.

March 14, 2012 at 12:20 pm |

PoliticalWhistleBlower

Rich – I enjoy an open and honest debate. Sorry the responses are not going under where you are trying to post...

March 14, 2012 at 12:25 pm |

USMC

Wow, someone that actually understands why we disarmed ourselves for this gathering today

Infantry is replaceable. They are cannon fodder to save the lives of Generals, SECDEFs, and civilians. Obviously you have never been to USMC Boot Camp or refuse to acknowledge the hard truths of military service.

We didn't want to make the Afghan soliders feel different? Really? They ARE different.. not in any human or deeply meaningful way, but we do run the show there (or at least we should be). If we don't want to go all in; get out completely this half ass feel good stuff we do just causes death.

And following that logic....all Muslims are terrorists then? Or is that comment still not PC. But it's ok to lump all American troops (and by the way, Marines aren't soldiers, they are Marines) together as lunatics based on the actions of one person?

March 14, 2012 at 12:17 pm |

Anti-nonymous

Hey bob, did you already forget the multiple instances of afghan soldiers/civilian contractors "going crazy" and killing U.S. and NATO soldiers in the past few weeks?

March 14, 2012 at 12:26 pm |

mike

i would be afraid also...i'm sure there are more skin heads ready to piss on or shoot up a family again....

The problem with a war is, there will be "war criminals" on all sides, it is just the degree that differs. The morality (or lack thereof) is often in eye of the beholder and how the history is written (or who writes).

When an active-duty marine says the President is "the enemy" and that he wouldn't obey the President's orders, it makes total sense to disarm soldiers before they get to see the President and his high-level executives in person – they are NOT to be trusted anymore.

The Tea Party had nothing to do with this. There are many reasons, but one I can quickly call to mind is Panetta's March 12 testimony before Congress in which he stated that he would seek permission from the UN or NATO before any military action, then tell Congress about it.

Tea party and gop 100%.... spreading HATE MONGERING.....
the tea party and now the gop have taken a poison pill... They have taken place of the cold war russia...
Every single thing the USA does they take the opposite side.
Osama is GONE, get out of afghanistan, this is bush's BS why we are still there... Osama was the mission NOT saddam

Its simply time to bring the troops home. I mean, enough is enough. We have sent a clear and present message to all coutries that the US has a capable fighiting machine in our arm services. But we are clearly putting the troops in harm way, then once they get hurt , put them back in harms way, then our politicians consistently apologized to these people who are trying to kill our troops. If you dont want to see cockroaches, get out of the dumpster.

None of you actually read the article, I see.
"Gurganus said reason to disarm was that the Afghan soldiers in attendance were unarmed and he did not want them treated differently than the Marines."
See, it sends a bad message to the Afghans to make them disarm because we don't trust them while not asking our own troops to do the same. It's not like Panetta was afraid of our troops.

Because he has PTSD!!! He has already deployed 3 times to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. No telling what he went through the first 3 times and now he's in a worse spot. He turned himself in once he realized what he did so don't criticize him if he has PTSD. Afghan soldiers are turning on our guys over there and no one EVER says anything about that.

March 14, 2012 at 12:00 pm |

Paulwisc

They are not all uniformly brave nor are they uniformly sane, as has been shown numerous times. It's rationality, not insult.

One wonders why some people insist on them being treated so specially.

If I were Panetta I wouldn't trust them either, look at their record, these soldiers have committed numerous act of violence against innocent civilians both at home and international level... They have killed their own kids and family, they have killed people on the streets in the US they have raped and murdered innocent and helpless civilians on international level from Japan to Afghanistan. Thank you but no thank you don't trust you with a gun!

The U.S. Military is a microcosm of our society. So to expect anythign different from them than from say your neighbor is unrealistic and short sited.

While there have been the occasisonal tragedies, you need to compare that to the millions of herioc feats they have done everday for the past decade and the countless lives they have saved. Taking into consideration that track record and comparing it to anythgin else shows haw great a force for good they are.

*** The U.S. Military is a microcosm of our society. So to expect anythign different from them than from say your neighbor is unrealistic and short sited.

My next door neighbor is not trained to kill.
My next door neighbor is not stressed out from multiple deployments in combat zones.

March 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm |

frank

You have a twisted view of the military. Have you ever read about the crime in the streets of the U.S.? If so, you would see that the military, or its veterans, have a record much cleaner than the general population, proportionally speaking. You should thank your lucky stars you can write such drivel and when you thank your stars, thank the military who have allowed you that freedom!

If Afghans could put together a battallion of fighting men even 1/10th as disciplined, courageous, and loyal as the lowliest US Marine, then maybe Afghansitan wouldn't be the defecatory extrusion orifice that it will most likely always be.

I hope you are not talking about the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in your comment. Tell me when they "have committed numerous act of violence against innocent civilians both at home and international level... They have killed their own kids and family, they have killed people on the streets in the US they have raped and murdered innocent and helpless civilians on international level from Japan to Afghanistan." Yes, some Marines raped some Japanese girls a few years ago but when have they committed acts of violence here? I am active duty and I take strong offense to your comment. I recommend you think about what you say against the military. We are not all like that. The soldier this weekend was under stress from numerous deployments and may have PTSD. I just returned from a year long deployment and I am not out killing my family or raping anyone. You dare not judge the whole military based on the actions of a few who don't care and are willing to suffer the consequences, or because they have issues that they don't know how to deal with.

Agreed! Whoever heard of disarming Marines in a combat zone. I'd be more worried about an Afghani infiltrator getting in the compound. If that happens I'd want every Marine in the camp armed to the teeth.

Agreed! Whoever heard of disarming Marines in a combat zone. I'd be more worried about an Afghani infiltrator getting in the compound. If that happens I'd want every Marine in the camp armed to the teeth.

Obviously Dan never served. The actions of a few don't overshadow the dedication and comittment of the men and women in the US military. The few...came from within our own society...and lord knows we have many more out there. Don't blame the military...

Curt, most of the morons posting in here learn about war from video games.
Then, if a soldier cuts himself shaving, its Obamas fault.

March 14, 2012 at 1:59 pm |

THeChief

Same thing happened to the 20,000 US troops in Haiti when Pres. Clinton did a tour in 95 (Operation Uphold Democracy). At first they took the ammo away, then the firing pins, and finally all the firearms. Meanwhile, not 30' away, the Bangledeshi and other Pacific Nation soldiers were armed and maning their 20' high gaurd posts that could look into our compound.

The racks of firearms were ultimatley locked into connexs (shipping containers) and placed behind an armed gaurd of Secret Service staff.

Was a real slap in our faces that our own leadership could not trust its own soldiers when in a foreign country surrounded by other countries' armed troops. After that, we were not even allowed to see or meet him. He never left the armored limo. and didnt drive by any of the areas where the soldiers were.

If you were ever in the military you'd know for instance every aircraft carrier I served on the Captain traveled with an armed marine everywhere they went while onboard ship. Leadership doles out punishment in a military setting and are thus targets of retribution (sometimes rightly so). This has been the reality since the days of Columbus. Officers and leadership have been assasinated, fragged, thrown overboard etc by their own countrymen since time began. You may think them jackasses but they're not stupid.

Eight years in Green. And not everyone that has served is aware of the goings on in an Aircraft Carrier just like you may not be aware of how things operate in my arena.

I have spent more than a few hours with full Birds and Generals in foreign countries and at no time did they fear for fraticide for themselves. We are talking about U.S. troops here, not brigands of olden days or third world country troops.

March 14, 2012 at 12:24 pm |

SAILORCOOP

WTF????? There is no way the Major could have insulted his Marines any worse. It questions his Marines intergity and honor, upper command should just relieve the Major now before he gets a chance to totally demoralize his Marines. I can only imagine the Sargent Majors' disgust as he carried out his orders with an "aye, aye" and a lump in his belly. BS Major, and a MAJOR MISTAKE!!!

Now that shows the confidence commanders have in the troops doing the Grunt Work. Very weak but probably necessary with the individual, multiple deployments and the fallout it has caused. Hard to see beyond a multiple, deployed warriors eyes and his predictability.

This is a clearly political posturing at its worst. This is a message from our spineless government to the Afghans that ..."Yes we even hate our military so we will disarm them and give you a fair shot at them". Just pull our troops out of that money pit hell hole and stop pandering to the Chinese. The only reason we are still there is to protect the Chinese who are in that country mining.

They had to ensure the Afghan soldiers were disarmed, and knew the liberals in the US would howl "Discrimination!" if it were only them and not the Marines as well. The military the US can't trust is the Afghan military.

I am pretty sure it was Panetta who ordered it. Coward. The brave Marines who put their life on the line every day to protect out liberties weren't trusted with the life of the Secretary of Defense. It is the Marines who are men of honor. The Secretary is a stooge to an enemy of the state (Obama).

Not a smart thing to do. That's a real morale killer for the troops. It's like telling the whole world: "We are afraid there are more wackos among us, and we don't even trust ourselves." Moral victory for Taliban.

It's not a morale killer. Marines know the score and understand that, regardless what was said about it, it was a symbolic gesture of respect towards the Afghan soldiers (who remember are allies) after the weekend's shooting. And Marines are all about honor and respect, especially with their allies. And I'm sorry – even if it was just a lone nut who lost his mind, all soldiers are going to be given the close eye for the next bit to make sure there aren't others ready to snap. All it takes is one, as proven this past weekend. And for all we know he could have snapped after he got home.

You sir are just plain wrong but if you want to believe such silliness than have at it. I guess Obama was the president back in 2000 when I was in Kosovo and my unit had to disarm before going to hear Gen. Clark speak.

March 14, 2012 at 1:32 pm |

Doobie Wah

Scratch the United States part it is REPUBLICANS that has created this dog and pony show and it will get much worse as REPUBLICANS rape the DOD in favor of their WAR MACHINE.

The United States has created Politicians it cannot trust. They are paranoid because their actions call for paranoia. Telling soldiers in Afghanistan to Disarm, aside from being degrading, is just another sign that those in charge doubt their own leadership skills.

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CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.